If you love the cozy, comforting taste of freshly baked treats with a burst of citrus and tartness, you are going to adore this Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones Recipe. These scones perfectly balance the bright zestiness of orange with the sweet-tart pop of dried cranberries, all wrapped up in a tender, flaky texture thanks to the sour cream and cold butter. Whether you want a delightful breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a charming addition to your holiday table, this recipe delivers warming flavors and a lovely golden crust that will make your kitchen smell heavenly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple pantry staples and a few special touches come together to create these irresistible scones. Each ingredient plays an important role in building the perfect texture, flavor, and aroma that make this Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones Recipe so memorable.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation providing structure and tenderness.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tart cranberries and bright zest.
- Baking powder: Helps the scones rise and become fluffy.
- Baking soda: Works with sour cream for tender crumb and slight lift.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the scone.
- Orange zest: Brings a fresh, fragrant burst of citrus that brightens each bite.
- Cold unsalted butter: The key to flaky layers; cutting it in cold keeps the texture light.
- Dried cranberries: Provide that lovely tartness and chewy texture contrast.
- Sour cream: Adds richness and moisture while activating the baking soda.
- Large egg: Binds ingredients and adds tenderness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness with warm, aromatic notes.
- Orange juice: Infuses more citrus flavor and moisture into the batter.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and freshly grated orange zest. This combination not only sets the stage for your scones to rise beautifully but also distributes that sunny citrus flavor evenly throughout the dough.
Step 2: Cut in the Butter
Grab your cold, cubed unsalted butter and cut it into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingertips. The goal is to create coarse crumbs that are about the size of peas. These little chunks of butter are what will melt during baking, creating those flaky layers that are the hallmark of a perfect scone. The colder the butter, the better the texture, so don’t skip this step!
Step 3: Add the Dried Cranberries
Gently fold the dried cranberries into the crumbly mixture. These gems bring a tart chewiness that contrasts delightfully with the tender crumb. If you like a bit of extra plumpness, you can soak them briefly in warm water before mixing, but they are delicious as is.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, large egg, vanilla extract, and fresh orange juice until smooth and well combined. This mixture provides moisture, richness, and helps activate the baking soda for that tender, moist crumb we love in scones.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and stir gently just until everything comes together. Avoid overmixing as this will make your scones tough. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Step 6: Shape and Cut the Scones
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the dough into 8 equal wedges, just like slicing a pizza. Arrange the wedges on your prepared baking sheet with a little space between them to allow for spreading.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your scones in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until they are beautifully golden on top and cooked through. You’ll know they are ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the scones feel firm to the touch but still tender inside.
Step 8: Optional Orange Glaze
For an extra touch of sweetness and citrus shine, whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth and drizzle over the warm scones. This glaze enhances the bright flavor and makes them look bakery-perfect.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones Recipe
Garnishes
These scones shine on their own but can be topped with a light brush of melted butter for shine or a sprinkle of extra grated orange zest to amplify the citrus aroma. Some fresh cranberries or a little orange peel twist on the side also add a festive touch if serving for guests.
Side Dishes
Pair these scones with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a classic cozy combo. They also go wonderfully with bowls of fresh fruit or a dollop of clotted cream or lemon curd on the side to add layers of creamy and tangy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the scones stacked with layers of mascarpone and cranberry preserves for an elegant twist. You can also sandwich them with whipped cream and a drizzle of honey for a luscious dessert-like treat. For brunch, arrange them around a wheel of baked brie to balance sweet and savory flavors beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, keep them in the fridge, but allow them to come back to room temperature or warm slightly before eating to regain that soft texture.
Freezing
This Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones Recipe freezes beautifully. You can freeze unbaked wedges on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, fully baked scones can be frozen and thawed gently before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm scones in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes or pop them in the microwave for about 15 seconds. This brings back the fresh-baked warmth and melts the optional glaze slightly for an irresistible treat.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh cranberries for dried in this Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones Recipe?
Fresh cranberries have more moisture and tartness, so using them would alter the dough consistency and may require extra flour or sugar adjustments. Dried cranberries are recommended for the best texture and flavor balance.
Why is sour cream used in this scone recipe?
Sour cream adds richness and moisture, keeping the scones tender and fluffy. It also reacts with the baking soda to create lift and a slightly tangy taste that complements the orange and cranberry beautifully.
Can I make these scones gluten-free?
Yes, but you will need to use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum or a similar binding agent. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavors will still be delicious.
Is it necessary to make the orange glaze?
The orange glaze is completely optional but adds a lovely sweetness and extra citrus zing. The scones are delightful without it, especially when served with butter or jam.
How do I ensure the scones are flaky and not dense?
Use very cold butter and avoid overmixing the dough. Cutting the butter into coarse crumbs and gently combining wet and dry ingredients helps create tender, flaky layers rather than a dense crumb.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones Recipe is one of those magical recipes that brings warmth, bright flavors, and a tender crumb to your table without any fuss. It’s perfect for weekend breakfasts, holiday gatherings, or whenever you want a special treat that feels homemade and heartfelt. I truly hope you try making these scones and enjoy every bite as much as I do sharing them with friends and family!
Print
Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones are a delightful, tender breakfast or snack option bursting with fresh citrus flavor and tart dried cranberries. Made with cold butter and sour cream for a flaky texture, these American-style scones are baked to a golden perfection and optionally topped with a sweet orange glaze for extra zest.
Ingredients
Scone Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 2/3 cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
Optional Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest until evenly distributed.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This creates the flaky texture in the scones.
- Add Cranberries: Stir the dried cranberries gently into the flour and butter mixture to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, egg, vanilla extract, and orange juice until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently mix just until the dough forms and everything is incorporated without overmixing to keep the scones tender.
- Form Dough Shape: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and pat it into a 1-inch thick circle. Patting gently prevents overworking the dough and keeps the texture light.
- Cut Into Wedges: Slice the dough circle into 8 equal wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until the scones are golden brown at the edges and cooked through in the center.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the scones from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before glazing or serving.
- Prepare Glaze (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled scones for a citrusy finishing touch.
Notes
- Ensure your butter is very cold before incorporating to achieve the flakiest scone texture.
- You can freeze the unbaked scones on the baking sheet and bake directly from frozen; just add an extra 3 to 5 minutes to the baking time.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep the scones tender and light.
- For extra citrus flavor, add a little extra orange zest to the glaze if desired.
